Under Mayor Dean’s leadership, the Mayor’s Office of Economic and Community Development has created a Fast Track Permitting & One-Stop Business Assistance Program. This streamlined structure helps new and existing companies access representatives of all applicable local, state and federal agencies in one meeting to outline services, answer questions, fulfill requests and solve problems. Through this program, the Mayor’s Office can also facilitate and expedite the permitting, licensing and regulatory processes within Metro Government.

Mayor Dean’s approach to economic development has been anchored by investing and building upon what the city already does well. With an international brand as Music City and tourism as the city’s No. 2 private employer, Mayor Dean was a strong advocate for the development of Music City Center, a new downtown convention center in Nashville. Located just steps from the Ryman Auditorium and the world-renowned honkytonks on Lower Broadway, the Music City Center will attract hundreds of thousands of new visitors to Nashville.

Mayor Dean also created the Music City Music Council, a group of music industry professionals and executives, who have worked to bring the city and the industry together as partners in expanding its presence here and its world-wide recognition.

In addition to business recruitment and expansion, Mayor Dean has worked to support entrepreneurs and small businesses, especially minority- and women-owned. The first economic development initiative Mayor Dean undertook as mayor was to help women- and minority-owned businesses receive a fair share of Metro Government contracts with the creation of a new Office of Minority and Women Business Assistance in the Department of Finance.

Mayor Dean’s administration has also provided financial support for the development and ongoing operation of the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, a business incubator which is helping creative people in Nashville turn ideas into jobs and revenue.

Message from Mayor Dean

“Nashville is a booming city with a diverse economy, a quality workforce, low taxes, and unmatched growth potential. Covering over 500 square miles, Nashville offers all the amenities of a large city while still providing miles of public open space. 'Music City' attracts musicians, artists, and entrepreneurs from all over the world, making Nashville an incredibly unique place to live. With a strong focus on public safety, public schools, and economic development Nashville is the place to live.”